Drive mechanism for adjustable antennas



Feb. 6, 1951 l w. J. SMITH, JR' y v 2,540,696

` DRIVE MECHANISM FOR 'ADJUSTABLE ANTENNAS A Filed July 1e, 1949 ssheets-sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

HTTOR'NE Y Feb. 6, 1951 4 w. 1 sMlTf-v-l, JR y 2,540,696

DRIVE MECHANISM FOR ADJUSTABLE ANTENNAS Filed July 1e, 1949 'ssheets-sheet 2 M/VENfoR.` lfefffiffffl, BY M w. J. SMITH, JR

DRIVE MECHANISM Fox ADJUSTABLE .fmTENNAs Feb. 6, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3Filed July 16, 1949 BY M3.

Patented Fel). 6, 1951 UNITED STATE sl PATENT OFFICE DRIVE MECHANISM FORADJUSTABLE' ANTENNAS 12`C'laims. l

This invention relates to a directionalhigh` frequency antenna andparticularly to an adjustable antenna for use in the television andotherl high-frequency radio fields. f

In high and ultra-high frequency radio and television receivers, it isdesirable that the signal strength of the received signal be as strongas possible. The utilization of a tuned, receiving antenna, capable ofbeing rotated to any desired direction, greatly improvesy theperformance of the receiver because the signal strength of the receivedsignal is greater in proportion to the stray noises and interferenceeffects than inthe case of an untuned non-rotatable antenna.- In

j order to provide for a maximum of received signal strength over` aband or range of frequencies, it is desirable to utilize an antennathat'may be- The elements of a.conventionaldirectional high-frequencyradio or television antennal aren normally dimensionallypreset ortunedto provide a maximum received signal strength at a predeterminedfrequency. within the operating band. These normally preset elementsarenot. tuned for other frequencies Within the operating band and, as aresult, the signal strength decreases as the operating frequencies moveaway from the predetermined frequency at which the antenna is tuned. v f

Many conventional antenna systems lutilize a stacked array to minimize'the loss in 'signal strength at frequencies other' than the resonantfrequency of the particular antenna elements.'

However, the stacked array only provides 'an anl tenna that' is turnedat sever-al predetermined frequencies within the operating band andaloss in Signal strength occurs at frequencies 'apart from the resonantfrequencies as determined the preset dimensions yof the antennaelements..A

Conventional television antennas are normally mounted in a fixedposition, usually being ori-M ented to provide a maximum of a signalstrength,

in a given direction.I A fixedv mounting is, not unduly objectionableVV,when the 4television transmitters are all located in a same .generalarea.` However, when several transmitters are located in differentareas, with respect to Vvazimuth fromv the receiving antenna, an antennawith a fixed mounting will onlyprovide a maximum signal strength in asingle direction.

This invention may be briefly described as an improved light-weight,high-frequency, directional antenna including means peculiarly adaptedto dimensionally vary the size of the main receiving element so as tolselectively and accurately tune to any frequency withinl an operatingband of frequencies, and improved and simple means to rotate vtheantenna in a horizontal plane. The means for Varying the dimensions ofthe antenna element consist of an improved, light-weight', simple .andinexpensive, driving mechanism leading yto increased efliciency, cheaperand simpler construction and a decrease of the loading effect on'theantenna.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved high-frequencyantenna whose main receiving element may be dimensionall'y varied totune the antenna to any frequency within a predetermined band ofyoperating frequencies.

Another. object of this invention is the provi-Y sion of an adjustableantenna utilizing a folded dipole asv the main antenna element.

A further object of this inventionis the provision of anadjustableantenna vincluding an 'improved mechanismby which'thedimensions ofthe main antenna element may be remotely varied to providefor selective tuning over a predetermined band of operating frequencies.

Another object of 'this invention is the provision of anVadjustableantenna including an improved, light-weight,` and inexpensivedriving mechanism which nevertheless provides very little loading effecton the antenna.

Still another object of theinvention istheprovision of an adjustableantenna including an improved driving mechanism of simple and inex-rpensive construction, whereby the'dimensions of' an antenna element maybe dimensionally varied and whereby the antenna element may be rotatedVin the horizontal plane.l

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is an elevation, partially in section, show-v ing. the antennaandthe driving-mechanism therefor;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the housing containing.

Figs.v l andY 3,7there is provided an and I2 extending outwardlytherefrom. The two horizontal coaxial elongated portions II and I2 areof a length determined by the band of operating frequencies for whichthe antenna is to be designed. A lack of space on the figures permitsonly a fragmentary showing of the elongated portions II and I2, and itshould be noted at this point that the antenna is symmetrical about itscentral portion 3. Consequently the following description, which willrelate to the structure on one side of the central portion 9, is to beinterpreted as including similar elements on the right hand portion ofthe central portion 9. The elongated portions II and I2 are shaped toprovide internal guiding chambers such as that illustrated at I3 in Fig.3. `Contained within the elongated portions II and I2 and defining aportion of the guiding chambers are guiding segments such as I4 in theguiding chamber I3. This guiding segment I4 is secured to the centralhousing portion 9 and is spaced from the upper and lower surfaces of thehorizontal, elongated portions II andI2 asatISandI'I.

The external antenna housing, comprising the central portion 9, thecover plate 39, the elongated portions II and I2, and the guidingsegment I4, is preferably molded or constructed from a nonconducting,light-weight, weather-resistant plastic, such as a suitable vinyl orpolyester type of plastic.

Disposed within the horizontal, coaxial, elongated portions I I and I2is the main receiving element. The presently preferred embodiment of themain receiving element, as illustrated in the drawings, is a foldeddipole of flexible conducting material, such as a suitable metallic tapeI8. This metallic tape is preferably secured to the housing at a centralpoint such as I9 (see Fig. 3) by any suitable means such as the screws2U and 2|. The tape I8 is disposed in the space I1 between the guidingsegment I4 and the surface of the elongated portion II and extendsoutwardly into the guiding chamber I3. In the guiding chambers the tape,being of a iexible character is arcuately turned and extended inwardlyad- A array in the cylindrical tape receptacles such as the storage binsB5 and E6.

The metallic tape I 8 utilized to form the folded dipole may be suitablyformed from a exible strip of steel or other suitable material, such asberyllium copper, similar in characteristics to i the tapes used inmetallic rulers and measuring devices. The tape should be sufficientlyflexible and resilient to permit an arcuate turning back upon itself asat 24 in Fig. 3. In addition the tape should be such that it rests incompressive sliding contact against the surfaces forming the guidingchamber I3 in the horizontal elongated portion II and its correspondingmember formed by the horizontal elongated portion I2. found that anarrow steel or beryllium copper strip of approximately .00E-.007 inchin thickness possesses suitable characteristics for operational use.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the tape I3 contains a series of equallyspaced perforations 22 to permit the engagment of the tape I3 by thepawls 41, 48, 49 and 58. In the presently preferred embodiment of theinvention as illustrated in the drawings, the perforations 22 arecentrally disposed on the tape I8, however, the perforations It hasbeena reversible electric motor 21.

could be disposed adjacent to either edge of the tape. The series ofperforations 22 terminate at each end in a perforation of greater lengthsuch as .that at 23 on Fig. 1. The terminal perforations 23 should beapproximately three times the length of the intermediate spacedperforations 22. The reason for utilizing the enlarged terminalperforations 23 will be explained at a later point in the specification.

Included in the antenna construction is an improved drive mechanismpeculiarly adapted to an antenna drive, requiring a simple, light-weightand inexpensive construction. This peculiarly adaptable drive mechanismwill now be described in detail.

Referring /now to Figs. 1 and 2, the driving mechanism for dimensionallyvarying the length of metallic tape I8 contained within the guidingchamber I3 and its corresponding member on the other side of the centralhousing portion 9, is contained within a separate and `adjacent housing2B. The housing 26 may be constructed of any suitable light-weight,weather-resistant material. Contained within the housing 28 is a primemover, which, in presently preferred embodiment illustrated in thedrawings, is shown as This motor 21 should be of a type that permitsrapid starting and stopping. The motor 21 is mounted in the housing 26by suitable mounting members such as the sleeves 25a and 25hencompassing the mounting bolts 25e and 25d.

Mounted on the shaft 21a of the motor 21 is a driving pinion 28. Thepinion 28 meshes with and drives a gear 29 mounted on a shaft 30. Theshaft 3D is encompassed at its opposite end by a solenoid 3I and issupported by a bearing mounted in the solenoid and generally designatedat 32. The solenoid 3| issupported by the bearing plate 3 la. Looselymounted on and' free to rotate about the shaft 33 is a driving worm 34.When the solenoid 3l is energized, the clutch member 33 and the integralsleeve 33h which encircles the shaft 3U and extends downwardly into thesolenoid 3l which may be splined to the shaft 3i) for rotation with it,moves along the shaft 30 and engages the driving worm 34. The drivingworm 34 is thus connected to the rotating shaft 30 through the clutchmember 33 and rotates therewith. The clutch member 33 is provided withprojections such as 33a which engage corresponding depressions such as34d in the driving worm 34. The driving worm 34 meshes with and drives aworm gear 35 securely mounted on an enlarged portion 31 of a shaft 33.The enlarged lower portion 31 of the shaft 36 is rotatably mounted inlower portions of the housing 26, and the end of the shaft 31 is seatedin a low-friction bearing such as the ball bearing 38. Through theabovedescribed gear train, any rotation of the reversible motor 21results in a rotation of the shaft 36 whenever the solenoid is energizedand the clutch member 33 is in engagement with the driving worm`34.

The upper end of the shaft 3B is rotatably mounted in a cover plate 39which forms a part of the main antenna housing. Spaced inwardly from theend of the shaft 36 is a driving pin 40 which engages a key slot 4I inthe gear 42. Rotation of the shaft 36 causes the driving pin 40 toengage and rotate the gear 42 in a corresponding direction. The gear 42engages and counterrotates a companion gear 43 of similar size andshape. The gear 43 is mounted on a stub shaft 44, one end of which isrotatably mounted in and supported by the cover elementi, By theabove-described gearing arrangement, any rotation of the shaft 36results in anv equivalent' counterrotation of theshaft 44. Also mountedon the shaft 36 and adjacent to the gear 42 is an eccentric 45 having a`circular periphery. Similarly mounted adjacent to the gear 43 is asecond eccentric 46 of similar shape and size. The eccentrics 45 and 46are secured to the shafts 3S and 44 and, if so desired, may be castintegral with the gears 42 and 43. Mounted on the eccentric 45 is apushing pawl 41 and Ian adjacent pulling pawl 4a. The pawls are mountedon the circular periphery of the eccentrics with a frictional fit whichwill permit relative movement between the eccentric andthe pawl if thepawl is restrained in its normal movement. The eccentric-45 is shaped toprovide a reciprocating movement to the ends of the pawls 41 and 48.V

The end of the pushing pawl 41 is shaped to present a steep portion 60to the edge of a perforation on the tape on the outwardly moving pushingstroke. Adjacent thereto is a slanting portion 59 which will slide overthe edges of the perforations on the tape on the return stroke of thepushing pawl 41 without imparting movement to the metallic tape I8.

The shaft 44 and the eccentric 46 mounted thereon also mount a pushingpawl 49 and a pulling pawl 50 of a construction and mounting similar tothe pawls 41 and 48. The configuration of the pulling pawl 50 and alsothe configuration of the corresponding pawl 48 mounted on the shaft 36is clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. The end of the pulling pawl 50, whichengages the tape I8, is shaped topresent a gently sloping portion 63 tothe edges of the perforations on the outwardly moving stroke. Thissloping portion 63 will slide over the perforations on the tape I8without imparting movement thereto. Adjacent the gently sloping portion63 is the engagingedge 64 which engages the edges of the perforations onthe inwardly moving stroke and imparts movement to the tape. As thegripping portion 64 engages the edge of the perforations in tape I8 oneach return stroke. the metallic taipe will be Withdrawn from theguiding chamber I3 in an amount equal to the length of the stroke of thepulling pawls 48 and 50.

The enlarged perforations 4on the tape, such as 23, limit the feedingaction in advancing and retarding the antenna elements. The elongatedperforations permit the pawls to move in their normal path but oifer noengaging surface or edge and thus terminate the movement of the tape.

construction to selectively position both pushing pawls or both pullingpawls in operative engagement with the perforations on the antennaclement.

The selective positioning means includes the stop collars 52 and 54mounted on the shafts 35 and 44 respectively. Encompassing the-shafts 36and 44 and comlpressively disposed between the stop collars 52, 54 andthe gears 42 and 43 respectively are spring members 5I and 53. Thesespring members are normally under compression and press the gears 42 and43 and the adjacent eccentrics 45 and 46 bearing the pawls 41 through 5Dagainst the abutting surface A61 of the cover element 39. The resultantcompression of the springs 5I and 53 results in a frictional surfacecontact between the pawls adj acently mounted on each of the eccentricssuch as, for example, the pawls 41 and 48 on the eccentric 45.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 3, the selective positioning actionof the above described spring members 5I and 53 will be described indetail. If the shaft 36 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, theshaft'44, geared thereto, is counterrotated in a clockwise direction.The rotation of the shaft 36 in a counterclockwise Vdirection causes thepawl 41, due to its frictional mounting and the effect of the springloading described above, to move in a counterclockwise direction out ofengagement with the tape I8. This counterclockwise movement of the pawl41 will be arrested by the stop pin 55 protruding from the housing 9. Inaddition, the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 3'5 will cause thepawl 48 to move in the same direction. The pawl 48 thus moves intoengagement with the metallic tape I8 coincidentally with the movement ofthe pawl 41 out of engagement with the metallic tape I8. As the shaft 36rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the shaft 44 is counterrotatedand thus turned in a clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of theshaft 44 turns the pawl 49 so as to remove it from engagement with thetape I8. The clockwise movementof the pawl 49 is terminated by the stoppin 51 protruding from the housing 9. The clockwise rotation of theshaft 44 also moves the pawl 5U intoy engagement with the tape I8coincidentally with the movement of the pawl 49 out of engagement withthe tape, summarizing the above, it is seen that a r counterclockwiserotation of the shaft 36 effectively disengages both pushing pawls, i.e. pawls 41 and 49, from operative engagement with the tape andcoincidentally moves both pulling pawls, i. e. pawls.5il and 48, intooperative engagement with the tape I8.

In a similar manner, a clockwise rotation of the shaft 36 will disengageboth pulling pawls, i.e. pawls 46 and Eil, from engagement with themetallic tape I8 coincidentally with the engagement of both pushingpawls, ie., pawls 4'! and 49 thereto. The stop pins 55 and 58 will limitthe movement of the pulling pawls 56 and 46.

The presently preferred drive mechanism described above is peculiarlyadapted to its 'inclusion as an integral part of an adjustable antennadue to its simplicity, eliicient operation and simple and inexpensiveconstruction.

The pawls 41 through 56 may be suitably constructed of any strong,rigid, light-weight, nonconducting material an-d conveniently may bepunched from a suitable pressed-fibre board or similar material.Itshould be noted that as these pawls are preferably constructed ofmaterial having suitable insulating qualities, isolation of the antennatape from the remainder of the antenna drive mechanism oiers noinsulation problems. In addition, the gears and eccentrics together withthe shafts 36 and 44 may also, if desired, be made of a suitablelight-Weight plastic.

Included qin the housing 9 vand' disposed adjacent tothe pawls41 through50, are the tape vided two cylindrical tape receptacles 65 and 66.` of adepth determined by the width of metallic tape utilized forY the antennaelement. Mounted on the inner periphery of the cylindrical tapereceptacles 65 and 66 are a plurality of inwardly disposed springmembers, such as 68. The spring members 68 are' roughly S-shaped and aremounted Yin Ythe receptacles 65 and 6B so as to presentanarcuate surface`to'k the moving tapes i. 'Ihese members 68 may be suitably punched froma strip of'spring steel and said strip may be mounted on the innerperiphery of said receptacles `65 and 66 so that the members 63 engagethe tape adjacent the perforations toform the unextended portions of themetallic tape I8 into 'n a tight coil. As the length of the antennadisposed within the elongated guiding chambers Il and I2 is shortened,the diameter of the coils in the receptacles 65 and 65 will beincreased.

The increase in width of the coil presses against the tension of thespring members 68 and moves the free ends of said members to aposition'closer to the periphery of the cylindrical tape receptacles 65and 66. As the diameter of the coil in the receptacles decreases, thecharacteristics ofthe spring members 68 maintain a tightly wound coil; Y

While spring tensioned reels may be used if desired, the presentlypreferred and. above-described coil mechanism has the advantages oflight-weight and efficient operation due to a lack of moving parts andis peculiarly adapted to an antenna structure of the type described.

Integrally associated with the antenna drive mechanism is an improved.means for rotating the antenna in the horizontal plane. The lowerhousing 26 is provided with suitable mounting brackets`10 for mountingthe antenna on a pole or other suitable mount.

The motor 21, described in detail above, is utilized to providenecessary power for rotating the antenna in the horizontal plane. Asdescribed above, the pinion 2K8 mounted on the shaft 21-a of the motor21 engages and rotates the gear 29 mounted on the shaft 30. Mountedadjacent the gear 23 on the shaft 30 is a pinion 1|. The pinion 1|engages anddrives a gear 12 mounted on a separate shaft 13. The shaft 13is supported in a bearing mounting by the .solenoidy assembly 14 whichin turn is mounted on the bearing plate Sla. Mounted on the shaft 13 innon-rotative engagement is a driving worm 15 which is thus free to turnrelative to the shaft. Adjacent the driving worm 15 is a clutch plate16, having projections thereon such as 16a, which is slidably mountedtogether with a plane member 1Gb which encircles the shaft 13 andextends downwardly into the solenoidy 14, on the shaft 13 and turnstherewith. The clutch plate 15 and the plane 1611 are responsive toenergization of the solenoid assembly 14, and when said4 solenoidassembly 14 is energized, the clutch plate 15 moves along the shaft 13and the projections 16a thereon engage corresponding depressions 15a onthe driving wormV 15 and rotates said worm 15in coinjunction with .theshaft 13. The,l driving worm Micasa-f1 8 15 is continiialngagemeidt witha large worm gear 11. y o A The worm gear 11 is securely andnon-rotatablymountedon ythe hub 15 by a lockingpin 19. iThe hub 18fisintegrally formed by the an;

tennahousingv 9 which extends downwardly into the non-rotating drivemechanism housing 26 and rotatably encompasses the'shaft 36. The hubl issupported'in part by the gear 35 but rotates independently;therefrom;The antenna housing 9 together with the horizontal` elongated portions II'andgl2 containing the antenna elementyis Arotated inthe horizontalplane by the driving actionof the worm 15 engaging the wormi gear`11.The actuation of l the clutch plate 16 by the energilzationbf thesolenoidI 1 4 provides a vsimple and effective controlY lfor antenna ro'tation. Y Y

In o rdertoprevent ,undue twisting ofthe electrical leads (not shown) tothe'motor 21 and to the antenna elemets,"means are included to pre'-vent rotationiof the antenna beyond a 360 swing. Mounted'` on the largeworm gear 11 is a protruding pin which engages and trips a limit switch81. The limit switch '8| is mounted on'a cover plate 82 closing the'upper portions of the lower housing 26. The limit switch 8l is suitablykcon-- nectedto the motor 21 yto reverse the direction of rotation whentripped. Y o

The cover plate 82 vis provided with a flanged portion '83 which'encircles the upper enlarged cylindrical'portion '84 of the rotatablehub 18. The jointbetween the cover plate S2 and the upper enlargedcylindrical portion 84 of the rotatable h`ubv18 is covere'dby `aflexible waterproof sleeye such as '85 mounted on" the hub 18, as at 8B.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I haveV hereindescribed theprinciple of operation of this invention, together with theelements whichoI now consider the best embodiments such usewithinthes'cope of the appended claims.

.What is claimed is as follows: l 1. An adjustable high-frequencyantenna,

comprising guiding means shaped to provide two l elongated guidingchambers for an expansible folded' dipole antenna element, saidelongated guiding chambers defining a loop-shaped path for said dipolehaving an extent representing a position'o'f maximum remoteness for theend of the folded' dip'olejanlexp'ansible folded dipole yof flexible,conducting tape having a series of spaced perforations thereon disposedin U-shape and in compressive sliding contact with the surfaces of theguiding chambers, said flexible tape secured to the guiding meansintermediate the elongated guiding chambersand means for advancing suc-vcessive portions of thetape remote from the turn of the U thereof, intoand out of the guiding chambers, to elongate and shorten,correspondingly, thel U-s'haped extent of the member in the guidingchambersjincluding, a drive housing member; a'reversible electric Vmotorcontained withinusaidw drive housing, anflrst drive shaft gearedvto'fand r'it'ated by said motor, a second drive ses?? seared@ nis .firstdrivefsha'ft and counterirotatedtherebycar pushing pawl and a expansiblefolded dipole antenna element, said l elongated guiding chambersdefining a loopshaped path for said dipole having an extent representinga position of maximum remoteness for the end of the folded dipole, anexpansible folded dipole of flexible, conducting tape having a series ofspaced perforations thereon, the first and last perforations of saidseries being of greater length than the intermediate'perforations, saidfolded dipole being disposed in U- shape and in compressive slidingcontact with the surfaces of the guiding chambers, said flexible tapesecured to the guiding means intermediate the elongated guidingchambers, means for advancing successive portions of the tape remotefrom the turn of the U thereof, into and out of the guiding chambers, toelongate and shorten, correspondingly, the U-shaped extent of the memberin the guiding chambers, including, Va reversible prime mover, a firstdrive shaft rotated by said priinemover, an adjacent second drive shaftgeared to said first drive shaftand counterrotated thereby, a pushingpavvl and a pulling pawl eccentricallyl mounted on each of said shaftsand positioned to engage the perforations on said tape, said pushing andpulling pawls being mounted on eccentrics shaped to cause the ends ofsaid pawls to reciprocate along a predetermined path, spring loadingmeans responsive to one direction of rotationof said first shaft toselectively position both pushing pawls in operative engagement with theperforations on said tape, whereby said pushing pawls engage successiveperforations on said tape and advance said tape into the elongatedguiding chambers, and responsive to the other direction of rotation ofsaid first shaft to selectively position both pulling pawls in operativeengagement with the perforations on said tape, whereby said pawls engagesaid perforations on said tape and retract said tape from said guidingchambers.

3. The adjustable antenna in accordance with claim 2, including, meansfor rotating the k aritenna element in the horizontal plane, comprising,a third shaft geared to and rotated by said prime mover, gearing meanssecured to said rotatable guiding means and rotated by said third shaft,and solenoid actuated clutching means intermediate said third shaft landsaid vprime mover. o

4. The adju'stable antenna in accordance with Iclaim 2,'including, meansfor storing the unextended portions of said flexible tape,compris ing, apair of cylindrical receptacles contained within said guiding means, aplurality of inwardly extending spring members mounted on theperipheries kof said cylindrical receptacles and positioned to maintainthe unextended portions of said flexible tape in coiled array.

5. An adjustable high-frequency antenna comprising a rotatable antennahousing member of non-conducting material shaped to provisis vide twocoaxial, elongated, guiding chambers for an expansible folded dipoleantenna element, said elongated guiding chambers defining a loopshapedpath for said dipole having an extent representing a position of maximumremoteness for the end of the folded dipole, an expansible folded dipoleof flexible, conducting tape having a series of spaced perforationsthereon disposed in U-shape and in compressive sliding contact with thesurfaces of the guiding chambers, said flexible tape secured to theantenna housing member intermediate the elongated guiding chambers,means for advancing successive portions of the tape remote from the turnof the U thereof, into and out of the guiding chambers, to elongate andvshorten, correspondingly, the U-shape extent of the member in theguiding chambers, comprising, a non-rotatable housing member, areversible electric motor contained Within said non-rotatable housing, afirst drive shaft geared to and rotated -by said motor, solenoidactuated clutch means intermediate said motor and said first drive shaftto control the rotation of said first shaft, a second drive shaft gearedto said first drive shaft and counterrotated thereby, a pushing pawl anda pulling pawl eccentrically mounted on each of said shafts andpositioned to engage the perforations on said tape, loading meansresponsive to one direction of rotation of said first shaft toselectively position both pushing pawls in operative engagement withperforations on said tape and responsive to the other direction ofrotation of said first Shaft to selectively position both pulling pawlsin operative engagement With the perforations on said tape, and meansfor rotating the antenna in a horizontal plane. including a third shaftWithin said non-rotatable housing member geared to and rotated by saidreversible electrical motor, second solenoid actuated clutching meansintermediate said motor yand said third drive shaft to control therotation of said third shaft, a gear mounted on said rotatable antennahousing member responsive to rotation of said third shaft whereby saidantenna housing isrOtated in the horizontal plane.

6. An adjustable high-frequency antenna comprising a rotatable antennahousing member oi non-conducting material shaped to provide two coaxialelongated guiding chambers for a dipole antenna element, said elongatedguiding chambers defining a path for said dipole having an extentrepresenting a position of maximum remoteness for the end of the dipole,a dipole of exible conducting tape having a series of spacedperforations thereon disposed Within the guiding chambers, means foradvancing successive portions of thetape remote from the ends thereof,into and `out of the guiding chambers, to elongate and shorten,correspondingly, the extent of the member in the guiding chambers,including, a non-rotatable housing member. a reversible electric motorcontained therein. a first drive shaft geared to and rotated by saidmotor, a second drive shaft geared to said first drive shaft andcounterrotated thereby, a pushing pavvl and a pulling pawl eccentricallymounted on each of said shafts and positioned to engage the perforationson said tane, loading means responsive to one direction of rotation ofsaid first shaft to selectively position both pushing pawls in operativeengagement with perforations on said tape and responsive to the otherdirection of rotation of said first shaft to selectively posimme@ 11tion both pulling. pawls in .operative engagement with theperforationson Said tape.

7. The adjustable Vantenna in accordiance with claim 6 including, meansfor rotating lthe antenna element in theV horizontal plane, comprising,a third shaft geared to and rotated by said motor, gearing means securedtosaidrotatable antenna housing member and rotated by said third shaft,and means for, selectively engaging said third shaft and said gearingmeans. 8. The adjustable antenna in accordance with claim 6, including,.means for storingV the unextendedportions of said flexible tape,comprising,` a pair of cylindrical receptacles contained within saidantenna housing member, a plurality of` inwardly extending, springmembers mounted on the peripheries of said cylindrical receptacles andpositioned to maintain the unextended portions of said flexibletape incoiled array.

9. An adjustable high frequency. antenna, comprising, an antenna housingmember-of nonconducting material shaped to provideY two coaxial,elongated,guiding chambers for a dipole antenna element, .an expansibledipole of flexible, conducting tape having a series ofspacedperforations thereon disposed within saidV guiding chambers, means ,foradvancing successive portions of thetaperemojte from the ends Ythereof,into and out of the4 guiding chambers, to elongate and `shor`ten,fcorrespondingly,V the extent of the element 'inthe guiding chambers,including, a'reversible motor, a pair of antenna advancing elements toengageA and intermittently advance said tape into said guiding chambers,

a pair of antenna withdrawing elements to engage and intermittentlywithdraw said tape from said guiding chambers, gearing' meansintermediate said antenna advancing and withdrawing elements and saidmotor and means to selectively position said antenna advancing andwithdrawing elements in operative engagement with the perforations onsaid tape.

10. The adjustable antenna in accordance with claim 9 including, meansresponsive to said reversible motor. to vrotate the antenna in thehorizontal plane. Y

1l. An adjustable high frequency antenna, comprising, a rotatableantenna housing member of non-conducting material shaped to provide twocoaxial, elongated, guiding chambers for an `expansible, folded dipoleantenna element, said theantenna housing. member intermediate theelongated ,guidingf chambers, means for advancingsuccessiveportions vofthe tape remote from guiding chambers, to elongate and shorten,correspondingly, the U-shaped extent of the member in the guidingchambers, including, a nonrotatable housing enclosingthe lower portionof said rotatable antenna housing member, a reversible motor containedwithin said non-rotatable housing, a pair of antenna advancing elementsto engage said perforations and intermittently 'advance said tape intosaid guiding chambers, a pair of antenna withdrawing elements to engagesaid perforations and intermittently withdraw said tape from saidguiding chambers, gearing means intermediate said antenna advancingandwithdrawing elements and said motor, means to selectively positionsaid antenna advancing and withdrawing elements in operative engagementwith the perforations on said tape, and means to rotate the antenna inthe horizontal plane, comprising, gearing means secured to saidrotatable antenna housing member, means intermediate said gearing meansthe turn of. the..U thereof, into and out of the and said reversiblemotor including selective clutching means tomechanically link saidgearing means with said reversible motor.

12. An adjustable high frequency antenna, comprising guiding means foran antenna element, an'expansible antenna element of ilexible conductingtape having a series of spaced perforations thereon contained withinsaid guiding means, means foradvancing successive portions of the tapeinto and outY of the guiding means, to elongate and shorten,correspondingly, the extent of the element in the guiding means,including, driving means, an antenna advancing element responsive tosaid driving means to engage and intermittently advance said tape intothe guiding means, an antenna withdrawing element responsive to saiddriving means to engage and intermittently withdraw said tape from saidguiding means, gearing means intermediate said driving means and saidantenna advancing and withdrawing elements, means to selectivelyposition said antenna advancing and withdrawing elements in operativeengagement with the perforationson said tape, and means responsive tosaid driving means for rotating said antenna in the horizontal plane.

WALTER J. SMITH, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

UNTTED STATES PATENTS QTHER REFERENCES Radio and Television News, May1949, page 163.

